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Red Sox Awards, Burnett, Mussina.

Daisuke Matsuzaka is going to be pitching in the World Classic this year, with Japan of course. He was their MVP in 2006, and wants to help Japan defend its title. In ’06 he went 3-0 with a 1.86 ERA, and a year later was signed to the Red Sox for six years.

The Red Sox have announced some “team” awards that they are going to be giving at the Boston Baseball Writer’s Dinner. The Red Sox named Pedroia as their team MVP, which is not surprising at all. It was definitely a hard choice between Kevin Youkilis and Pedroia, just like it was for the AL MVP. Kevin Youkilis will be presented the Jackie Jensen award, which is given for spirit and determination (this award was named after the Red Sox outfielder who played with them from 1954-1959, and 1961).

Youkilis also won this award two years ago, the only other player to win this award twice is Johnny Damon (’04-’05). Hopefully, Youk won’t follow the same path that he did. Jon Lester will be recognized as Boston’s pitcher of the year,

Jacoby Ellsbury was named Red Sox Rookie of the Year, Jonathan Paplebon is the Red Sox Fireman of the Year, Sean Casey with the Good Guy Award, and Jeff Bailey with the Red Sox Minor Leaguer Award. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Bailey a lot in Spring Training. Jason McLeoad, the amateur Red Sox scouting director, will receive the Unsung Hero Award, seeing that Youkilis, Pedroia and Lester are all “homegrown products”.

On another note, AJ Burnett’s agent wants to have Burnett signed to a five year contract, which apparently, might keep the Yankees out of contention for Burnett. Plus, they might be a little apprehensive about his injuries, I mean, look what happened with Carl Pavano. How many games did that guy pitch?

Also, with Mike Mussina retiring, there is a lot of talk about him eventually being voted into the Hall of Fame. His numbers match up with some of the guys who are already in there… and he’s had some great seasons. I think that one day, he’ll be in there.

4 Comments

Hey red sox girl,

Thanks for the comment! I have to agree with you on Mussina getting into the Hall of Fame. That guy has made me pretty upset for years, pitching great for the O’s and Yankees (our A.L East division rivals). Mussina has been as steady and annoying as they come, with his darn 2-seam-fastball that works back to the inside of the plate. Its a good pitch, and I hope he retires because, quite frankly, I’m tired of seeing it.
Great Blog!http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/

I won’t be upset if A.J. does’t play for the Yankees! Not sure, given his history, that any team will give him a 5 year contract. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. I loved reading about the awards announced by the Boston Sports Writers. Loved the “Good Guy” award for Casey!http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/

I think Burnett’s injury card is overplayed. Yes, he gets hurt a lot, but it’s almost never for a really long period, like Pavano. He has only twice started 30 games, but not counting his first two years he has only started under 20 twice. He IS different from Mr. Butt Strain and I-broke-a-fingernail.http://newmexicanyanksfan.mlblogs.com

Thanks for your recent visit and comments on my blog … Check out my response when you get a chance !!! … Regarding, A.J. Burnett, I think, based on his injury history, it may be too much of a risk for any team to offer him a 5-year deal … The Yankees are right to be cautious about Burnett, after the disastrous “4-year/ $40 Million contract” they gave to Carl Pavano … But, I don’t know if the Yankees totally learned a lesson from the disgraceful “Pavano failure”. There are reports that the Yankees are actually considering bringing Pavano back in 2009. They did not pick-up his option, but may offer him an invite to “spring training”. I just hope Pavano gets an offer from “any team” [other than the Yanks], so that, he never puts on a Yankee uniform again !!! … With that said, I would offer A.J. Burnett a contract for, three [maybe four] years — but, no more than that !!! … In my view, the Yankees main priorities should be the signings of: CC Sabathia; Mark Teixeira; Bobby Abreu; and, Andy Pettitte … A.J. Burnett should be a secondary priority as a free-agent signing this winter, by the Yankees … And, yes, I agree with you regarding Mike Mussina. I also think Mussina will be voted into the “Hall of Fame” at some point in the future !!! … Jimmy [27NYY]

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